Gene Bradford Williams, right, is checked out after attempting to jump from the Shelby Avenue bridge in October 1954. John Seigenthaler, center, a young journalist at The Tennessean, rescued Williams by grabbing his shirt collar and helping to lift him to safety. The Shelby Avenue pedestrian bridge was later named after Seigenthaler. Courtesy of the Seigenthaler family

John Seigenthaler, at far right on top row, poses with former defense secretaries, including Donald Rumsfeld, top left; Dick Cheney, second from right on top row; and Caspar Weinberger, far right on bottom row. Courtesy of the Seigenthaler family

John Seigenthaler, left, with Jimmy Armistead, who had a 46-year career with The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner; former Tennessean Publisher Amon Carter Evans; President John F. Kennedy; and former Sen. Ross Bass Courtesy of the Seigenthaler family